In an interview with Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl, Clint Dempsey cites family as one of the main reasons for his decision to return to MLS and the Seattle Sounders from Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League. In fact, the versatile forward says he didn't even consult Spurs coach Andre ... Read the whole story

Since it lodged a world record bid for Tottenham winger Gareth Bale a few weeks ago that was quickly rejected by the London club, several things have happened that could indicate Real Madrid is cooling its interest in the Welshman. Most of these involve Real's star forward, Cristiano Ronaldo. Read the whole story

Pope Francis, who is a big soccer fan, on Tuesday met with the Italy and Argentina squads ahead of tomorrow night's friendly at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, which was organized in his honor. The Argentine Pope with Italian roots said he was torn about which team to support. Read the whole story

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has said that Lionel Messi, the world's best player for the last four years, will remain at the top for two more years before being eclipsed by Brazilian youngster and Barcelona teammate Neymar. Read the whole story

Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo has admitted that he needs to leave the club in order to search for a starting spot with his favored destination being Arsenal. The Gunners have been linked with a $26.3 million bid for the Brazilian, while Wolfsburg and Dinamo Moscow have also expressed interest. Read the whole story

The French Football Federation on Tuesday lifted the two-point deduction it imposed on Monaco at the end of last season for the violent incidents incurred by fans following the club's second division title celebrations. Read the whole story

Newly-promoted Premier League club Crystal Palace on Tuesday completed the signing of Marouane Chamakh from Arsenal on a one-year deal. Chamakh , 29, was signed by the Gunners in 2010, joining on a free transfer from Bordeaux, but after scoring 11 goals in his first season, he managed just three ... Read the whole story

West Ham United on Tuesday signed Liverpool winger Stewart Downing on a four-year deal from Liverpool for $9.3 million. The deal represents a loss of $21.7 million for Liverpool, who purchased Downing from Aston Villa for $31 million two years ago. Read the whole story